Advice To Masters

General advice to Masters transiting thru / calling at ports of piratical / armed robbery:

A structured and layered defence system is required to secure the vessel.

This system starts with being aware of the sea areas and ports affected by piracy and armed robbery. The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (IMB PRC) broadcasts incidents of piracy and armed robbery to all ships in the IOR and AOR regions via InMARSAT Safety Net System. Similar information is also posted on the Piracy Map

In most incidents as soon as the pirates / armed robbers know that they have been spotted or feel the vessel has been secured and is a difficult target they will abandon the attack. However Somali and Nigerian pirates tend to be more aggressive in their attacks and hence additional precautions  have to be taken.

Always Follow

1. Company and ship specific procedures.

2. Advice in IMO circular MSC.1/Circ.1334 (23 June 2009)

3. Procedures given in BMP4 while transiting high risk areas of Somali piracy.  

Always report All incidents of piracy and armed robbery (actual, attempted or suspicious) occuring anywhere in the world to the 24 hour manned IMB PRC. This first step is crucial in the response procedures as well as promulgating the threat to ALL vessels in the ocean regions.

Contact details of IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (IMB PRC)

Tel: +60 3 2078 5763 / +60 3 2031 0287 / + 60 3 2031 3106
24 Hrs ANTI PIRACY HELPLINE: +60 3 2031 0014 (Manned 24 Hrs everyday)
Fax: +60 3 2078 5769
General E-mail: imbkl@icc-ccs.org  / piracy@icc-ccs.org         

Please contact the IMB for any further information